Ryan Papenhuyzen makes triumphant return against Titans after 13-month injury lay-off – and he could be the Melbourne Storm’s finals wildcard
- Ryan Papenhuyzen is back after 13-month absence
- Melbourne Storm looked ominous with finals looming
- Xavier Coates bagged a hat-trick in win over Titans
Melbourne Storm favourite son Ryan Papenhuyzen marked his return to the NRL with an impressive 19-minute cameo in Saturday’s 37-16 win over the Gold Coast Titans at AAMI Park.
The 25-year-old received a raucous reception from the home fans in purple, who haven’t seen their star fullback on the paddock since July last year.
And it was obvious Papenhuyzen was keen to make up for lost time.
Playing in the middle, he entered the fray in the 61st minute in what would have been a huge confidence boost given the severity of his knee injury.
In recent weeks, the NRL premiership winner in 2020 worked on his match fitness in the Queensland Cup with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
Melbourne Storm favourite son Ryan Papenhuyzen marked his return to the NRL with an impressive 19-minute cameo in Saturday’s 37-16 win over the Gold Coast Titans
There were private fears Papenhuyzen would never play again, such was the extent of his knee injury last July (pictured, Storm coach Craig Bellamy)
Papenhuyzen was carried off AAMI Park after suffering a broken knee cap (pictured) during a loss to Canberra in 2022
Wearing jersey number 19, his trademark mullet made ‘Paps’ impossible to miss, as Craig Bellamy’s men looked to click into gear with the finals looming.
They did so comfortably, with Xavier Coates bagging a hat-trick.
Speaking at fulltime, Papenhuyzen was relieved to get through his NRL comeback game with no injury concerns.
‘It’s awesome to be back…I’ve had some dark days,’ he said.
‘The crowd was outstanding, a massive thank you to those who came out to cheer us on, it was a game we really needed to win.’
When quizzed on whether he had any nerves pre-game, Papenhuyzen said belief was key.
‘I just focused on getting out there and doing my job,’ he said. ‘It was a great feeling to be back amongst the boys on game day.’
Melbourne (34 points) currently sit in fourth spot on the NRL ladder, but face a daunting assignment next round against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
Bellamy isn’t tipped to rest any of his stars as he will be eyeing off a top four finish.